In Part I of this series, we focused on the four most common pitfalls people run into on probation:

• know what you’re getting into on probation,
• take time to read your judgment of sentence and probation order,
• get to know your probation officer and earn their trust and respect and
• report changes in your residence and employment immediately.

In Part II of this series, we added five more:

• pay outstanding fines and restitution on time,
• report regularly to probation as instructed,
• complete and record community service hours,
• report, don’t hide, contacts with law enforcement and
• keep doing mental health and drug counseling.

Finally, in our final part of this series, we finish with three more tips and summarize everything you need to keep in mind while you’re on probation, parole or supervised release.

Tip #10: Be Careful of Your Associations

People on probation cannot have unapproved contacts with folks with a felony record. These rules are so strict that even in situations where family members are also codefendants in a criminal case, the government can take the position that they cannot communicate. Nor can people on probation be around any potentially illegal activity (even unknowingly). 

Unauthorized communications with prohibited individuals and associations with people potentially engaged in criminal activity are common reasons for probation violations that send people back to prison. For example, in one typical scenario, people are convicted of probation violations for being in a group of people doing illegal drugs even if they claim not to partake. Be vigilant. Don’t expose yourself to situations like this while on probation.

Tip #11: Get to Know the Rules for Travel Requests

During probation, strict rules govern when people can leave their judicial districts or state boundaries. Do not travel outside your allotted boundaries without permission, even for work-related reasons.

For example, you may have to request a day pass in writing, which could be an email. You may also have to be in full compliance with all probation conditions before any travel is authorized. And different rules will apply for travel in a metropolitan area compared to international travel.  

Probation departments have specific forms for travel passes, which request information regarding travel dates, intended address, the purpose of travel, mode of transportation and other relevant information. Some travel requests must be made a week ahead. Others must be made a month in advance. Check the rules for your jurisdiction and what your officer demands.

Note that for international travel, most probation officers inform you not to purchase tickets before getting their formal approvals, which may need to come from the court. You must report all law enforcement contacts during travel.

Remember that travel during probation is a privilege, not a right. Follow the rules carefully to maximize your chances of approval.

Tip #12: Be Resilient and Maintain a Positive Outlook

Getting from incarceration to a fully restored life of freedom from supervision takes one year or more. Resilience and positivity will go a long way to get you through the inevitable ups and downs. 

Resilience allows us to adapt successfully to challenging life experiences. It allows us to become more mentally and emotionally flexible to meet life’s demands. 

Rebuilding your life after incarceration will not always be easy. One key to resilience while on probation is to manage your expectations. Your probation officer will not always tell you what you want to hear. For example, you will not always get the job or the salary you want. A travel request you deem important will get denied. 

By the time you get to probation, you may have been dealing with the criminal justice system for multiple years. Maintaining a positive attitude about reporting, submitting to drug tests, counseling sessions and all the other conditions of probation is difficult. Remember that probation is a phase. Eventually, it will end, and your life will move to the next phase. 

Also, remember that an excellent level of compliance can earn you a lower level of monitoring while on probation. That may mean less in-person reporting, less monitoring, fewer in-home drop-ins and more travel privileges. Check to see if this is available in your district or state.

The Takeaway:

While it may feel daunting to keep up with all the conditions of parole, probation and supervised release, success is possible. Preparation is key. A positive, can-do outlook is necessary. Resilience will carry you through the highs and lows of the process. Learn the rules. Follow them. And, when in doubt, ask questions.